I'll provide information on using backup and restore programs that come with VISTA and Windows XP. There are lots of 3rd party backup and restore solutions out there to choose from, but I want to limit the scope of this post, so I'll just cover the programs that come with Windows.
Windows VISTA Backup
If you are running Windows VISTA there is a backup and restore program included with Windows VISTA. Here are some links that provide instructions on the steps to perform:
- Backup Link 1: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-vista/Back-up-your-files/ that outlines the steps for performing a backup of your PC.
- Backup Link2: http://www.vista4beginners.com/How-to-backup-your-data/
- Using Windows Link for VISTA: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-vista/help/using/
There is a restore program that comes with Windows VISTA. Check out these links:
- Restore Link 1: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-vista/Restore-files-from-a-backup/
- System Restore FAQ Link: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-vista/System-Restore-frequently-asked-questions/
There are times when you need to perform a System Restore. A System Restore returns your system to a previous state by restoring your computer's system files to an earlier point in time. It's a way to undo system changes to your computer without affecting your personal files, such as e‑mail, documents, or photos. Here are links about a System Restore:
- System Restore Link 1: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-vista/What-is-System-Restore/
- System Restore FAQ Link: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-vista/System-Restore-frequently-asked-questions/
Windows XP Backup
If you are running Windows XP and you need to backup your PC, check out these links for step by step instructions and information:
- Backup Link 1: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/setup/maintain/backupfiles.mspx
- Maintaining Your Windows XP System Link: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/setup/maintain/default.mspx
Here is a link for using Windows XP Restore program:
Windows XP System Restore
Here is a link for using the Windows XP System Restore program:
- System Restore Link 1: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306084
You can also backup your data files (photos, word documents, music files, etc..) to a CD/DVD and then store it in a safe location. You could backup your entire system to CDs/DVDs, but this could take a huge amount of CDs/DVDs to accomplish given the size of Windows and hard drives these days. A better option for backing up your entire system would be to use an external hard drive.
An external hard drive attached to your computer would allow you to backup your entire system easily, as long as the external hard drive was large enough. You can purchase external hard drive solutions that attach using an USB connection and then you could attach this external hard drive to another computer in the event that your computer failed/crashed. This makes this solution easy to move and connect to another computer.
Hey Great work. Do you also give tips about Computer repair.
ReplyDeleteNo, not really. My main focus has been more on the software side of things. I do my own hardware stuff for the most part, but in regards to this group, I thought I would leave the hardward stuff to others for the most part. That is why I wrote the post about Computer Repair. I wanted to recommend the local guy I have found. I see you have a company that provides support. Most of my group likes dealing with someone directly.
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